Posted by
Eric on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:07:00 AM
TOTUS screen: Welcome to TOTUS 101. As you know, if it weren't for my hard drive, our leader of the free world wouldn't be president. I am the brains behind the administration and I'd like to let you in some personal secrets of how you could become someone very powerful with my help. So, let's start with the Do's of TOTUS 101..
1. Always read off me and resist the urges to expand. I give soothing words and the media sucks it up like Bill Clinton at an intern camp.
2. Always consult with me before townhall meetings and media questions. There may be one reporter who actually has a hard question and we want to look as eloquent as possible. God forbid if somebody doesn't ask how your dog is!
3. Never plagiarize too much. Can you imagine me working with Joe "Gaffe" Biden? I'll tell you who you can pretend to emulate.
4. If for some reason I cannot make an event, write down answers or scapegoats on notecards. I will help you make them.
5. Always lay your trust on me, for right now I am the words of the free world!
Now, lets go with the don'ts.
1. Never Add Lib! It will only be used against you.
2. Try to hide me at townhall meetings, because I am frowned upon in those settings. If you can't look like you know what you believe and are talking about, life will be much harder.
3. If somebody asks you a difficult question on a street, take a deep breath, take out your cell phone and I'll text you an answer.
4. Don't look too silly when you get flustered and start blaming others. Remember, if things go bad, unleash the hounds (media) and continue on like nothing happened.
5. Never forget me. I helped you get to where you are.
TOTUS: Now, lets take what we've learned and I'll quiz you.
TOTUS: How about Jack? Say I was a regular guy in Ohio and I ask you about your tax plan. What would you say since I'm not there to bail you out?
Jack. "Ummm. I think we should spread the wealth, because it's good for everybody."
TOTUS: NO! Your critics would be all over that like a doughnut on an anthill. Never say what you really believe. If that happens you destroy that person and try to take away the focus from your words. How about you Sarah? I know you like jokes. Say if you were in Austria, what joke would you give?
Sarah: I don't know what the term is in Austrian: Wheeling and Dealing...
TOTUS: Sarah, did you know there is no such language as Austrian? Maybe you should have consulted the Governator. How about another when I'm not there. Lynn. If the Prime Minister of our very close Ally England came over and gave us a carved ornamental penholder from the timbers of the anti-slavery ship HMS Gannet, what would you give him?
Lynn: I dunno. Maybe a 25 dvd set from Wal-Mart.
TOTUS: This is why you are taking the class. Each of you have given an answer that would only open you up for more critics. That's been one class for the day. Tomorrow, we will talk about former presidents and their downfalls, such as Bill Clinton's pants.